Fly on the Wall (song)
"Fly on the Wall" is a song by American singer Miley Cyrus, released by Hollywood Records on November 4, 2008, as the second and final single from her second studio album, Breakout. The song's lyrics have been interpreted in a number of ways, such as a description of an abusive boyfriend. In actuality, Cyrus says the song describes paparazzi and their extensive personal privacy invasions.
For other songs titled "Fly on the Wall", see Fly on the wall (disambiguation)."Fly on the Wall"
The song received acclaim from music critics, with many claiming it defied teen pop expectations and was Breakout's best track. "Fly on the Wall" reached its highest international peak on the UK Singles Chart, at number 16. The single's music video was directed by Philip Andelman and premiered on FNMTV. The "Thriller"-inspired video takes place mainly in a parking garage in which Cyrus encounters and attempts to escape the paparazzi. Cyrus promoted the song through several venues, including a performance on her second headlining tour, the Wonder World Tour, that incorporated a short segment of the "Thriller" dance. Cyrus also performed the song on her Gypsy Heart Tour.
Composition[edit]
"Fly on the Wall" is a song with strong uses of electric guitars, keyboards and soprano vocals.[2] Influences derive from electronic music and industrial music.[4] It is set in common time with a moderately fast rock tempo of 143 beats per minute.[7] The song is written in the key of G minor.[7] Cyrus' vocal range spans two octaves from the low note of G3 to the high note of D5.[7] The song has the following chord progression, G5—D—Gm7.[7] The song's chorus has the use of a vocal hook; the hook sings, "fly on the wall".[8]
Critical reception[edit]
Upon its release, "Fly on the Wall" received critical acclaim. Heather Phares of AllMusic said the song was a "G-rated version" of Britney Spears' song "Toxic" and provided hints of Cyrus' future musical direction.[2] Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe said "Fly on the Wall" was a change of pace for Cyrus and called it "the album's most interesting tune".[4] Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times said the song is a result of regular Walt Disney Company standards, yet "the CD's best cut".[9] Along with "Full Circle", Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine said the song was a "more worthy" follow-up to "See You Again".[8] Mordechai Shinefield of The Village Voice stated the song was "blazingly brilliant" and that it was "the best, angriest song [on Breakout]".[10] Johnny Dee of Virgin Media said the song and "7 Things" were "feisty pop belters" that would encourage a long-term career.[11] Ratliff negatively compared "Fly on the Wall" to the Pussycat Dolls and said that although Cyrus' voice is generally rich with a deep range, it became "pinched and stingy" in the single. However, he also said the song was "teen-accurate".[3]